Multihole punch



June 28, 1949. J. A. CARPENTER MULTIHOLE PUNCH Filed Jan. 16, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet l 93 21 64 62 INVENTOR. :4: C 102 10 10 70 g fl I arpen e:r-

I 4 J' M W June 28,1949. J. A. CARPENTER MULTIHOLE PUNCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 16, 1946 I N V EN TOR. /o//: :4. (4/70 e/77er HTTOE/YE) Patented June 28, 1949 UNITED STATES gran TENT OFFICE This invention relates to a punch particularly adapted for use as a paper punch.

The invention has for an object to provide a novel and superior construction of punch and particularly of a inulti-liole punch of novel and improved construction wherein the one or more punch units are mounted to be capable of being adjustably moved longitudinally to adjustably locate the punch unit or units at different and pre determined distances from an edge of the paper sheet or sheets to be punched, and also with relation to one another to provide desired hole spacings in the paper being punched.

With this general object in view, and such others as may hereinafter appear, the invention consists in the punch and in the various structures, arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and particularly defined in the claims at the end of this specification,

In the drawings, illustrating the preferred em bodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a plan view of a multi-hole punch embodying the present invention, a portion thereof being broken away to show an individual punch unit; Fig. 2 is a front elevation with a portion broken away and with an individual punch unit shown in cross section; Fig. 3 is an end view showing the punch in its depressed or operating position; Fig. 4 is a view in cross section taken on the line 44 of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of an individual punch unit; Fig. 6 is a view in cross section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a detail view of a friction element for maintaining the punch unit in its adjusted position as viewed from the right in Fig. 5; and Figs. 8 and 9 are plan views of the present multi-hole punch showing the punch units adjusted for different hole spacings in the paper to be punched.

In general, the present invention contemplates a novel, efficient and durable punch having one or more individual punch. units mounted to be capable of being adjustably moved into different positions to punch one and preferably a plurality of holes in desired relation both to one another and to the edge of the sheet or sheets to prepare such sheets to be inserted in or incorporated with a. loose-leaf ring binder. The multi-unit punch may also be adjusted to punch but one hole at a predetermined distance from one edge of the sheet to be punched.

In its preferred form, the invention is embodied in a multi-hole punch of the type in which an operating lever or presser bar is mounted to be rocked in a direction toward the rear of the punch and away from the front or paper receiving end of the punch whereby the punching op eration may be easily and conveniently performed while the punch is held in the hand, the individual units being arranged to be operated simultaneously by the presser bar.

The multi-ho1e punch preferably includes a base member in which the individual punch units are adjustably mounted, and each punch unit is provided with an individual presser arm arranged to cooperate Withthe main presser bar to permit adjustment of the units lengthwise of the presser bar and to effect positive operation of all the punch members upon rocking movement of the main presser bar. The construction of the individual punch units imparts maximum rigidity with relatively light weight parts, each unit being capable of performing an individual punching operation, and also capable of being adjustably mounted with similar units in a multi-hole punch for simultaneous operation.

The present construction of punch also provides maximum visibility and accessibility for introducing the paper into the punch and for adjusting the individual punch units to the spacing required.

Referring now to the drawings, the present multi-hole punch comprises in general, a base member I0 upon which at least one and preferably a plurality of individual punch units H are mounted to be capable of being adjustabl moved longitudinally of the base member It. An actuating member or presser bar M also mounted upon the base member is arranged to operate all of the punch units simultaneously. Each individual punch unit l'2 includes a punch member I6 slidingly supported for vertical reciprocation in a supporting bracket l8, and a punch plate 20 secured to and supported by the bracket 58, each punch plate being provided with an opening 2i with which the punch member I6 is arranged to cooperate to punch out a hole in one or more sheets of paper 22 inserted between the punch and the punch plate.

The punch supporting bracket 18 is constructed and designed to impart maximum rigidity to its individual punching unit and may be made of relatively light weight metal. As herein shown each supporting bracket is may and preferably will be formed from one piece of metal bent to provide an upper wall 24, depending side Walls 26, 28 and a base formed by bent-in portions 30, 32 of the side walls 26, 28 respectively, thus forming a structure substantially rectangular in cross section, as shown in Fig. 6. The punch member I6 is slidingly supported in the upper wall 24 and in an intermediate wall 34 joined to the upper wall by a depending vertical wall 353 formed by bending a portion of the upper wall 24 downwardly and inwardly as clearly shown in Fig. 4.

The punch plate 20 is arranged to form an integral part of the suporting bracket 18 and, as herein illustrated, comprises a base portion 38 and a punch cooperating portion 45! joined by an angular bent portion 42. The plate 2% is formed to fit over the lower portion of thesupporting bracket 58, the'punch 'cooperating'platc 46 being arranged to fit into a slot comprising the paper receiving slot 54 formed in the side walls 26. 28. With this construction, the-underside of the punch plate portion 40 bears against the exposed edges of the side walls :ZfifiZB as -illus trated in Fig. 6, the latter iforminga firmiand rigid support for the punch plate for cooperation with the punch member during the pundhingoperation. The base portion 38 fits under the bottom wall-of the supporting-bracket l8 and may be spot-welded or otherwise secured thereto -.to form an integral part of the supporting bracket 18.

As herein shown, each punch unit is provided with-a presser arm 46 pivotally mountedon apin 48 supported between forwardly extended arms 500i the side -walls:-2-6, 2.8. The-punch member H5 is connected to thespresser arm '46 by a pint 2 which extends horizontally through the upper end of the punch .member ifi andinto elongated slots 54 formed in the depending side walls of the presser arm. 'A-spring'58 coiled about'the pivot pin 48 iszarranged-to normally urge the arm 4'6 and' the: punch member 16 upwardly as shown in Fig. 4 the spring having one end bearing against the'underside of the arm -46-and its other end bearing'again'st the intermediate wall 340i the supporting bracket l8. The:punch:membertEi-s provided with a shoulderedportion it-which bears against the underside of the upper .wal1 2-4- to limit the movement of 'the punch memb'erupwardly. Upon downward pressure against :thearm 46 the punch member is 'moved :downwardlyinto- :cooperative engagement with the punch plate'bycontact of'thearm'with-thetop of the-plunger. The pin 52 is slidinglyreceived inth'e slots 54 permitting'free'clom of movement :of 'thepunch member vertically duringthero'cking of thearm' lfi, and also providing a positive connection for raising the punch .member inthe event a jam should occur such as to render the -spi'ing' 56 inoperative to return the punch 'member'toits raised position. The base "portions of each individual unit are provided with openings Min alignment with the punch member i6 for a'ssembly purposes, to permit the punch-"member to be'iinsertedthrough the bottom of the un'it.

The elongated base member I l! :in'w'hic'h the individual punch units are received comprises 'a -flat plate having upturned edges to form acurved .forward wall 62,'a rear wall'tid and end walls '66, 68. The punch units are mounted in' t'he "base .to be capable dfmovement lengthwise of'the-base, so that 'the'one-or more punch-units 'may b'e adjustably positioned at any desired distanceirom either end of the base to'locatethe punched-holes in' theipaper sheets '22 at predetermined.distanc'es from "the edge, and also the distancebetween the several punch units "may be adjust-ably determined "to selectively space the punched holes from one :another. 'The'forward portion of each punch unit'isextended under the curvedforward wal1'62 and the oppositee'nd of each'unit extends substantially to' the rear'walr-t'd of the-base, as

shown in Fig. 4. The individual punch units I! are further guided for longitudinal adjustment in the base member 10 by the provision of a guide rod it which extends lengthwise of the base be- 5 tween the end walls 66, 68 the rod being detachably connected to the end walls by screws 12 for assembly purposes. As herein shown, the rod 10 extends through openings in the side walls 26, 28 of the supporting bracket l8, the punch units be- 10 ing sli'dingly mounted thereon. Provision is made foririctionally retainingthe'units in their adjusted positions and as herein shown a fric- "tion element 14 carried by each unit [2 and enigagea-ble with the rod 10 is provided for this The spring friction member as best -shown in'F-ig. 7 is=formed by bending a sheet of =metal inasubstantially U-shaped form, the arms of the U'being provided with openings Hi thereinthrough which the rod extends. The arms of the U extend between and engage the inner Walls of the supporting .bracketJBxand one-arm of the U is extended and curved-as-sh0wn,=to.yie1dingly bear against the-rod 10 and in frictional engagement therewith. With this construction it will be seen-that the individual units maybe moved lengthwise of thebase 10 to'disposethe units in spaced relation and that the units are held in their adjusted position :by' the actionof 1 the friction element.

The presserbar Mforactuatingthe-individual punch units l2, as-herein shown, comprises an elongated handle 'portion having forwardly extended arms at 'I-B'at eithersendformed integrallywith the handle :portion. The bar-is pivotally mounted on J-pins BU'suppOrted-in-the end walls 66, 68 of the base member :10. Asbest-shown in Fig. 4, the hand1e;lportion of :the. presser bar a Mis preferably formed to provide .a socket 132 .at tlre outer end thereof defined by an upper'wall =84 .40 and a relatively short lower wall 86 formed iby bending overthe end of the upper wall asshown. The socket :82 is arranged atto receive the upper ends of the presser arms 46Fofathepunch units i2. The: pivot pins 80 of the presserbarild may and preferably will berarrariged insubstantial alignment withthe'pivotpins lil .of the individual units I2.

As hereinshown, the forward portion :of the presser arm 46 of each unit. is 'enclosed by a'wall 8B, the remainder-of the-arm comprising'eiitensions 90 of the sidewalls of the arm which are received in the socket 82. With this construction, the upper wal1'88 of each presser arm is arranged substantiallyflush with the'upper wall 55 84 of the presser ba r M. Theextensionslill (if the arms 46 are loosely or slidingly 'received'in the socket '82 of the presser'bar'to permit'lengthwise adjustment of the punch *units therein and relative sliding movement ofthe arms '46 upon rocking 'of'the presser bar l4 during the punching operation.

It will be observed that the above described structure of the presserbarl'l' provides a relative 1y large open space '92 between the-arms'T8 and 59 the edge of the upper wall '84 at the front or paper "receiving end of the unit thus providing access to the punch units -l2 for adjustingthe same, and also providing maximum visibility-for introducing the sheets of paper to be "punched.

In the operation of the device, the forward edges of a group of sheets to be 'punched are presented against a stop-93"formedbythe end (if the paper receiving slot 44 of the individual punch members ii'and theadjacent side edges of the-group are presenteda'ga'inst the left endwa'll of the base member I0. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the end walls 66, 68 may be reinforced by metal plates 94, 96 and which may be spot-Welded or otherwise secured thereto, the end wall reinforcing member 04 forming the end stop for the sheets of paper to be punched. Thereupon, rocking of the presser bar I4 will eifect the punching operation of all of the units simultaneously. As illustrated in Fig. 1, a scale 98 may be provided on the front edge of the base member for convenience in adjusting the individual units and each unit may be provided with a scored line I00 in alignment with the punch member I6 for use in cooperation with the scale. When the device is used for punching holes in a sheet of paper to be prepared for insertion in a three-ring loose leaf binder, the punch units I2 may be adjusted to the proper spacing, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, the individual punch units may be adjusted to punch out two holes in the desired spaced relation by moving one of the three units to the extreme left-hand end of the base member in which position it may be used as an end stop as shown in Fig. 8 the remaining two units being adjusted in proper spaced relation. Fig. 9 shows a further expedient for adjusting the units whereby but one hole may be punched in a sheet by moving two of the indi vidual punch units to the extreme right-hand end of the device the remaining unit being adjusted as desired. When two holes in different spaced relation are desired, another of the units may be moved into operative position as indicated by th unit shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9. i As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4, the present construction of punch enables plastic covering parts to be used for decorative purposes and for comfort in handling the punch. As herein shown, the base member I 0 may be provided with a plastic covering member I02 which may fit snugly over the base member being hooked around the forward portion thereof, and maybe secured to the end walls of the base member by rivets I04. The presser bar I4 may also be provided with a plastic covering member I06 snugly fitted thereover and which may be hooked over the upper end thereof and secured to the arms I8 of the presser bar I4 by the pivot pin 80 by which the bar is pivotally connected to the base member I0.

As herein illustrated, the lower portion of each punch unit I2 forms a receptacle I08 open at one and in which the punched out portions of the paper are received. In order to confine the punched out portions within the units and also to improve the appearance of the device, a stationary curved shield member Ill] extending the full length of the device may be provided which may and preferably will be detachably connected to the base member I0 and arranged to cover the open portion of the units in any of the diiierent positions of adjustment of the latter. The shield may be detachably retained in assembled 1305i, tion by a curved spring H2 secured to the base member, and arranged to fit into an opening II4 formed in the shield. As shown in Fig. 4, the rear wall of the plastic cover I02 may be provided with a cut out H6 to permit the spring to be moved out of the way to remove the shield when it is desired to dispose of the punched out portions.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that the punch units of the present multihole punch may be adjusted to punch one or more holes in the paper sheet or sheets to locate the holes in predetermined spaced relation to one another and at predetermined distances from an edge of the sheets, and that the construction is such as to provide unobstructed vision and accessibility to facilitate adjustment of the punch units and insertion of the paperto be punched.

The present multi-hole punch may be made of relatively light Weight sheet metal which may be stamped out to the required shape thereby enabling the punch to be economically manufactured. Although light in weight, the parts are designed to provide maximum rigidity and structural strength.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been thu described, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the scope of the following claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A multi-hole paper punch comprising an elongated base member, a guide rod carried by said base member, a plurality of individual punch units adjustably supported in said base and slidingly mounted on said elongated rod, means for frictionally retaining .the .units in their adjusted position including a yieldable member carried by each of said punch units and in frictional engagement with said rod, and an actuating member pivotally mounted in said base and cooperating with said punch units to perform the punching operation in the diiferent adjusted positions of said units, said yieldable member comprising a U- shaped spring having an opening in the upright legs thereof through which the rod may pass and having a reversely curved extension. from one leg bearing against the rod.

2. A multi-hole paper punch comprising an elongated base member, a plurality of individual punch units adjustably supported in said base member, each of said units including a punch member, a punch plate having a hole with which said punch member is adapted to cooperate, an individual presser arm for each punch unit directly connected to its respective punch member, and an elongated presser barpivotally mounted onsaid base and operatively connected to said individual presser arms to perform the punching operation.

3. A multi-hole paper punch comprising an elongated base member, a plurality of individual punch units adjustably supported for lengthwise movement in said base member, each of said units including a punch member, a punch plate having a hole with which said punch member is adapted to cooperate, an individual pivotally mounted presser arm for each punch unit, a pin and slot connection between said arms and their respective punch members providing a direct connection therebetween, a coil spring bearing against said arms for urging the latter and said punch members into an upraised position, and an elongated presser bar pivotally mounted in said base arranged to cooperate with said individual punch units to permit adjustment of the latter lengthwise of the bar and to effect positive movement of said punch members upon rocking movement of said bar in either direction.

4. A multi-hole paper punch comprising a base member, a plurality of individual punch units mounted on said base to be capable of adjustment longitudinally thereof, and an actuating member mounted on said base for operating all of said individual punch units in their different adjusted positions, the lower portion of each individual punch unit forming a receptacle open at one end for receiving the punched out porc nema itions of the paper, and set Jshield tdetachably connected to said base and arranged zto cover the open end of said receptaclcs'in the difierent positicns of adjustment o'fsaiid punch units.

5. A multi-holepapenpu-nch comprising :aba'se member, a plurality r individual rpunch units mounted on said base to be :capable or adjustment longitudinally there cif, and an actuating member mounted on said base T5101 operating :all of *said individual punch units in their *diflerent adjusted posit-ions, a plastic cover snugly fitted over and detachably secured to saidbasememher, and "a plastic cover snugly fitted over and detachably securedto-said actuating member.

6. A paper punch unit "comprising a punch member, a unitary bracket=m-ade=irom-one-sheet f metal bent to form a structure substantially ectangular in cross section for supporting said punch member for vertical movement, a punch plate formed integrally with said bracket and supportedacross the'upperedges of the vertical side walls of said bracket an'dhaving an opening therein for cooperation 'Withsaidpunch member, a presser arm "pivotally 'carried by extensions from the sidewalls of saitlbracket,-and connections between said arm and said punch member for 'efie'cting'the'punchingoperation.

'7. A paper punch unit comprising a punch member, a unitarv'supportingbracket-made from one sheet of metalbent'to form 'a structure substantially rectangular in 'cross'section to provide an upper walLside walls'an'dabottom well, said upper wall having a portion "bent downwardly and inwardly to "form an intermediate wall, said upper wall and intermedlate'wall having aligned openings therein-for supporting saidj'punch' memher for vertical movement,-said sidewalls 'having a paper receiving slo't "formed therein, a punch plate having an opening therein for cooperation with said punch member saidipunch platebeing (disposed in thelowerportion of said slot and extending across and bearing against theedges oft-said side walls whereby ito'form a, firm andrigid supportf-forflsai'd plate, sa'idiplate lbe'ing bent and extended under the bottom wall of said bracket, said plate forming the upper wall of a (chamber for-the collection of punched out portions and aflpresser arm pivotally carried in ex tended portions .ofsaid .side walls and ,operatively connected tosaid punch member "to perform'the punching operation.

.8. A multi-hole paper punch comprising an elongated .base member, ,aplura'lity of individual punch uni-ts adjustably supportediln said base member .for umovement lengthwise thereof, each of said units including a punch member, a punch plate having an opening for cooperation with said punch member, an individual pivotally mounted presser arm carried by each unit and directly connected to its respective punch memher, and an elongated ,presser bar ,pivotally mounted'inssaid base'havinglits outer end shaped to .fnrm ran :elmgated socket adapted -.to receive and retain :the outer ends of :said :presser farms and :to (permit adjustable imovement :thereof lengthwise of the socket, esaid socket connection also being capable of zefiectinggpositive movement of said :arms :upon rocking movement of :said presser bar in either direction.

".9. .A mum-hole maper punch comprising an elongated base member, a plurality of individual punch units -adjus-tably supported in l-said Chase member for movement lengthwise thereof, "each of said'uni-ts-including apunch memb.er,;a.:punch plate having ;an =opening for cooperation with said punch member, an individual ipivotal-ly mounted gpresser arm carried by :each unit :and provided with a slotted portion, a pin "carried thy said :punch member and :engageable with said slot to provide :a direct connection :between the arm-andcthe punch member .andwarrangedtogpermit relative movement between the punch and the arm during the {punching operation, "andian elongated presser bar :pivotally :mounted in :said baseshavinglitsiouter end'shapedtoiormzanielongated -socket adapted :to slidingly receive .ithe outer .ends -;of said arms sand adapted to eflect movement with the bar whereby to permit positive lifting of said punch 1 member by fupward ranking of said rib ar :in the event that :the ;punch:menrher becomes jammed in :its t-pun chingposition.

.10. 'A :multi-hOle paper punch ecomprising an elongated base member :having upwardly eextended end walls, ,one :of "said wallsserving as an end stop-for one edge1.o.f"other-sheet :tobe punched, the other being slotted =.-to mermitrasheetulonger than the' base to .be :inserted,f:the end-of s-said slot serving as :asdepth gaugepar plurality o'f'gindividual punch units :adjusta'blycsupporte'd for lengthwise movement :in said base, reach of said :units havng a slot at least-equal :to'the depth :gauge slot in -rsaid ione end :wall, an individual pivotally mounted 'presser arm carried by each unit, and an elongateds presseriabar :hingedly secured to -said end walls having itsrpivot in alignment with the pivotsiof :said presser iarms, said presser bar loein-g operatively :connected :to :said arms for rocking movement therewith in either direction.

:REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record .inthe file of this patent:

UNITED STATES ilE'A'lENTIS Number Name Date "857,888 Morden June 25,1907 f2, 1'4:9,268 Kern 'Mar. 7, I939 2200;672 Brennan May 14, 1940 2,-244320 Unger June 3, 1941 "2,244,660 Carpenter June "10,",1'9451 $382,523 'Unger 'Aug. '14, 1945 

